Lawrence defense makes difference

For the past decade, Lawrence’s offensive prowess has been well documented in the annals of Long Island high school football. While the Golden Tornadoes entered last Saturday’s showdown with Plainedge averaging 41 points per game, their defense has been a little unheralded. 

However, in this battle of unbeaten teams, it was the Lawrence defensive unit that made the difference in its 34-16 home victory. Led by linebackers Simon Jones and Anthony Doll, and tackle Dimitri Samuels, the Golden Tornadoes (6-0) shut out Plainedge’s vaunted ground attack over the last 30 minutes of the game.

Trailing 14-7 and having no luck shutting down the run, the defense made a play that completely changed the game. On first down from their own 33-yard line, the Red Devils went to the air. Doll got his fingertips on the ball and senior defensive back Tevine Johnson exhibited terrific concentration in picking off the pass. 

On the next play from scrimmage, senior Jordan Fredericks scored the second of his three touchdowns going up the middle, untouched, from 30 yards out. Matthew Libbey’s PAT tied the game. Fredericks earlier had electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kickoff return.

Lawrence head coach Joe Martillotti and his staff made defensive adjustments at the half. “We had a game plan based on their tendencies, but they were running away from what they typically do,” Martillotti said. “We were confused and taking ourselves out of plays. Once we settled our guys down and made a few adjustments, the defense was able to do a great job.”

The second half was all Lawrence. Quarterback Sean Moran, a player who has exhibited the ability to rise to the occasion in big spots over the past two seasons, faked a handoff and took off outside. Moran put on the afterburners and went 64 yards down the right sideline into the end zone on the west end of the field.

“Sean is a great athlete, and a real football savvy kid,” Martillotti said. “We can put him anywhere on the field, and he’ll get the job done.”